Husband and his cousin convicted in wife's murder in George

A husband and his cousin have been convicted of the premeditated murder of his wife in George.

Duane Singrew and Heinrich Jumat were convicted in the Western Cape High Court sitting in the George Magistrates Court.

The court heard that Joan Pamela Singrew's husband assaulted and strangled her, before getting his cousin to help dispose of her body in a remote area near Great Brak River.

Evidence revealed a history of domestic violence in the marriage.Forensic proof also linked both men to the crime.

The relatives pleaded not guilty.

Joan Singrew was reported missing in November 2024, days later her husband and his cousin were arrested.

The court found the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

NPA Spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila described the conviction as an important step in the fight against gender-based violence.

"Advocate Nicolette Bell welcomed the conviction of Duane Singrew and Heinrich Jumat for the callous, premeditated murder of Singrew’ s wife, Joan Pamela Singrew, as the NPA continues its relentless fight against the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide."

The matter has been postponed to April 7 for sentencing.